Led lighting apparatus with flexible light modules

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure involves a street light. The street light includes a base, a lamp post coupled to the base, and a lamp head coupled to the lamp post. The lamp head includes a housing and a plurality of LED light modules disposed within the housing. The LED light modules are separate and independent from each other. Each LED light module includes an array of LED that serve as light sources for the lamp. Each LED light module also includes a heat sink that is thermally coupled to the LED. The heat sink is operable to dissipate heat generated by the LED during operation. Each LED light module also includes a thermally conductive cover having a plurality of openings. Each LED is aligned with and disposed within a respective one of the openings.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to light-emitting devices, andmore particularly, to a flexible light-emitting diode (LED) light moduleused in LED lamps.

BACKGROUND

LED devices are semiconductor photonic devices that emit light when avoltage is applied. LED devices have increasingly gained popularity dueto favorable characteristics such as small device size, long lifetime,efficient energy consumption, and good durability and reliability. Inrecent years, LED devices have been deployed in various applications,including indicators, light sensors, traffic lights, broadband datatransmission, and illumination devices. For example, LED devices areoften used in illumination devices provided to replace conventionalincandescent light bulbs, such as those used in a typical street lamp.However, traditional LED lamps may suffer from drawbacks such as lack offlexibility, difficult maintenance, incompatibility with certain typesof existing street light housings, and unsatisfactory waterproofingcapabilities.

Therefore, while existing LED lamps have been generally adequate fortheir intended purposes, they have not been entirely satisfactory inevery aspect. LED lamps that can overcome the shortcomings oftraditional LED lamps discussed above continue to be sought.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isemphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in theindustry, various features are not necessarily drawn to scale oraccording to the exact geometries. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an LED lamp head accordingto various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrammatic perspective views of some embodimentsof an LED light module according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 4B are diagrammatic perspective views of some embodimentsof another LED light module according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrammatic perspective views of different portions ofa lamp head according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of some embodiments of yetanother LED light module according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrammatic perspective views of a lamp head and itsvarious components according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of an LED lightmodule according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrammatic perspective views of differentembodiments of heat sinks according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of fabricating a lightingapparatus using a semiconductor photonic device as a light sourceaccording to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a street light that includes the LEDlight modules of FIGS. 1-9 according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is understood that the following disclosure provides many differentembodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of variousembodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements aredescribed below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, ofcourse, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Forexample, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature inthe description that follows may include embodiments in which the firstand second features are formed in direct contact, and may also includeembodiments in which additional features may be formed between the firstand second features, such that the first and second features may not bein direct contact. Moreover, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “under,” “over,”and the like are used for convenience and are not meant to limit thescope of embodiments to any particular orientation. Various features mayalso be arbitrarily drawn in different scales for the sake of simplicityand clarity. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat referencenumerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is forthe purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself necessarilydictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/orconfigurations discussed.

Semiconductor devices can be used to make photonic devices, such aslight-emitting diode (LED) devices. When turned on, LED devices may emitradiation such as different colors of light in a visible spectrum.Compared to traditional light sources (e.g., incandescent light bulbs),lighting instruments using LED devices as light sources offer advantagessuch as smaller size, lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, varietyof available colors, and greater durability and reliability. Theseadvantages, as well as advancements in LED fabrication technologies thathave made LED devices cheaper and more robust, have added to the growingpopularity of LED-based lighting instruments in recent years.Nevertheless, existing LED lighting instruments may face certainshortcomings. Some of these shortcomings include lack of flexibility,difficulty of maintenance, incompatibility with certain types ofexisting street light housings, and unsatisfactory waterproofingcapabilities.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, described belowis an improved LED lighting instrument 20 that substantially overcomesthese shortcomings associated with traditional LED lighting instruments.Referring to FIG. 1, a diagrammatic fragmentary perspective view of aportion of the lighting instrument 20 is illustrated according to someembodiments of the present disclosure. In more detail, the portion ofthe lighting instrument 20 shown in FIG. 1 is a lamp head of a streetlight. The lighting instrument 20 includes a lamp head housing 30 and aplurality of light modules 40 that are implemented inside the lamp headhousing 30. To provide more clarity, one of such light modules 40 isillustrated separately from the lamp head. The light modules 40 areseparate and independent from one another. Each light module 40 can beindividually installed within (or taken out of) the lamp head housing30. In some embodiments, each light module 40 can be secured to the lamphead housing 30 using a screw 50 (or another suitable fasteningmechanism). In alternative embodiments, the light modules 40 can besecured to the lamp head housing 30 via screw-free mechanisms, whichwill be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3B and4A-4C.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are more detailed perspective views of an example lightmodule 40A according to some embodiments. FIG. 2A shows an explodedperspective view of the light module 40A, and FIG. 2B shows an assembled(or integrated) perspective view of the light module 40A. The lightmodule 40A includes a plurality of semiconductor photonic devices, forexample LEDs 60, as light sources. Each LED 60 may include a p-typelayer and an n-type layer, each of which contains a respective III-Vgroup compound. Each LED 60 may also include a multiple quantum well(MQW) sandwiched between the p-type layer and the n-type layer. The MQWlayer includes alternating layers of gallium nitride and indium galliumnitride. The p-type and n-type layers and the MQW layer may be formed bya plurality of epitaxial growth processes. The MQW emits light inresponse to an electrical voltage applied to the p-type and n-typelayers.

The LEDs 60 are located on a substrate 70. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 70 includes a Metal Core Printed Circuit Board (MCPCB). TheMCPCB includes a metal base that may be made of Aluminum (or otheralloys). The MCPCB also includes a thermally conductive but electricallyinsulating dielectric layer disposed on the metal base. The MCPCB mayalso include a thin metal layer made of copper that is disposed on thedielectric layer. In certain embodiments, the substrate 70 may includeother suitable thermally conductive structures. The substrate 70 maycontain active circuitry and may also be used to establishinterconnections.

The LED 60 each have a primary lens (not illustrated herein) formedthereon. The primary lens may be directly mounted on the LED and mayshape the pattern of the light emitted by the LED. In addition, the LEDs60 are also each covered by a secondary lens 80, which is positionedover the primary lens. The secondary lens 80 works in conjunction withthe primary lens to further shape the pattern of the light emitted bythe LED 60 into a desired light pattern. The secondary lenses 80 arereconfigurable. For example, the secondary lenses 80 may be replaced byother types of secondary lenses in order to adjust the output lightpattern of the LED 60.

The light module 40A also includes a metal cover 90 disposed over theLED 60. The metal cover 90 contains a plurality of openings 100 that areapproximately aligned with the plurality of LEDs 60, respectively.Alternatively stated, each LED 60 is disposed within a respective one ofthe openings 100. In some embodiments, the openings 100 are each definedby sidewalls 110 that collectively form a polygonal structure, forexample a rectangle. Each LED 60 is circumferentially surrounded by arespective one of the polygonal structures (i.e., openings).

The secondary lens 80 will be struck on the metal cover 90 by adhesiveglue. These polygonal structures of metal cover 90 serve at least twopurposes. First, they protect the secondary lens 80 and LED 60 thereinfrom being damaged by external objects. For example, a projectile throwntoward the secondary lens 80 and LED 60 may be deflected by thesidewalls 110 of the metal cover 90, thereby avoiding impact (and theconsequent damages) with the secondary lens 80 and LED 60. Second, thepolygonal structures surrounding the LED 60 also function as reflectorcups for the LED 60. That is, the light emitted by the LED 60 may bereflected by the sidewalls 110 of the metal cover 90 toward a desireddirection(s). Without a reflective structure, light may be emittedtoward undesired directions, thereby weakening the intensity of thelight output in the desired direction. The metal cover 90 is alsothermally coupled to the LED 60, and as such can be used to dissipateheat generated by the LED 60.

A cable 120 is coupled to the metal cover 90 through a waterproofconnector 130. Wires such as electrical wires may be routed to the lightmodule 40A through the cable 120 and the waterproof connector 130, sothat electrical connections may be established between the LED 60 andexternal devices. The waterproof connector 130 prevents water (or otherforms of moisture) from reaching inside the light module 40A.

The substrate 70 on which the LEDs 60 are implemented is disposed on athermal pad 140. The thermal pad 140 has good thermal conductivity andmay include a metal material. In this manner, thermal energy (i.e.,heat) generated by the LEDs 60 during operation can be efficientlytransferred to the thermal pad 140.

The thermal pad 140 is surrounded and/or sealed by a gasket 150. Thegasket 150 is made of a waterproof material to prevent moisture fromreaching inside the light module 40A. Thus, the light module 40A isindependently waterproof.

The thermal pad 140 is also disposed on a on a thermal dissipationstructure 160, also referred to as a heat sink 160. Since the thermalpad 140 has good thermal conductivity, it can transfer the thermalenergy generated by the LED 60 to the heat sink 160. The heat sink 160contains a thermally conductive material, such as a metal material, tofacilitate heat dissipation to the ambient atmosphere. To enhance heattransfer, the heat sink 160 also includes a plurality of fins 170 thatprotrude outwardly from a body of the heat sink 160. The fins 170 mayhave substantial surface area exposed to ambient atmosphere to maximizethe rate of heat transfer. The heat sink 160 (and the fins 170) isdiscussed below in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Though not specifically illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B for reasons ofsimplicity, it is understood that one or more fastening mechanisms(e.g., the screw 50 of FIG. 1) may be used to secure the light module40A to a suitable housing, for example the lamp head housing 30 shown inFIG. 1. Thus, the light module 40A can be easily installed into (ortaken off from) the housing. A service technician merely needs to fasten(or release) the screw and the waterproof connector. This allows foreasy maintenance of street lights in the field, especially in higheraltitude situations above ground.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are exploded and assembled perspective views of a lightmodule 40B according to some other embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The light module 40B has similarities with the light module40A discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B. For reasons ofclarity and consistency, similar components in both light modules 40Aand 40B will be labeled the same herein. For example, the light module40B includes a plurality of LEDs 60 implemented on a substrate 70. TheLEDs 60 are covered by reconfigurable secondary lenses 80. A metal cover90 containing openings 100 is located over the LED 60, wherein each LED60 is disposed within one of the openings 100. The LEDs 60 are thermallycoupled to a heat sink 160 through a thermal pad 140. The heat sink 160contains a plurality of fins 170 to facilitate heat dissipation.

Unlike the light module 40A, the light module 40B employs one or morescrew-free mechanism 200 to secure the light module 40B to a suitablehousing, for example the lamp head housing 30 shown in FIG. 1. In someembodiments, the screw-free mechanisms 200 include metal tenons(thereafter referred to as metal tenons 200), which allow the lightmodule 40B to be secured to the housing 30 by a springing force. FIGS.4A-4C illustrate the metal tenons 200 from different perspectives inmore detail. As is shown, a portion of the metal tenons 200 may be inphysical contact with side walls of the heat sink 160. Another portionof the metal tenons 200 may be in physical contact with the housing 30.A springing force of the metal tenons 200 secures the heat sink 160 (andtherefore the light module 40B) to the housing 30. In other words, thelight module 40B may be effectively clamped to the housing 30 throughthe springing force.

Thus, to install the light module 40B into the housing 30, the servicetechnician simply needs to position the light module 40B and the metaltenons 200 until the metal tenons can be “clamped in” or “clamped down.”On the other hand, to release the light module 40B from the housing 30,the service technician simply needs to unclamp the metal tenons 200. Theservice technician does not need to carry any tools such as wrenches orscrewdrivers with him. Such design further simplifies the maintenanceprocess. In some alternative embodiments, the screw-free mechanism 200may include clampers (e.g., on one of the side fins 170 of the heat sink160), or a slide groove and a fix pin.

Referring back to FIGS. 3A-3B, another difference between the lightmodules 40A and 40B is that the plurality of LEDs 60 in the light module40A is arranged in a single row of vertically-oriented array, whereasthe plurality of LEDs 60 in the light module 40B is arranged in two rowsof horizontally-oriented arrays. Other arrangements are envisioned inalternative embodiments. A light module may employ any suitable arrangeconfigurations of LED depending on factors such as desired lightpattern, light density, available space, and/or costs.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a light module 40C accordingto some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The light module40C has similarities with the light modules 40A and 40B discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B. For reasons of clarity andconsistency, similar components in all of the light modules 40A-40C willbe labeled the same herein. For example, the light module 40C includes aplurality of LEDs 60 implemented on a substrate 70. The LEDs 60 arecovered by reconfigurable secondary lenses 80. A metal cover 90containing openings 100 is located over the LEDs 60, wherein each LED 60is disposed within one of the openings 100. The LEDs 60 are thermallycoupled to a heat sink 160 through a thermal pad 140. The heat sink 160contains a plurality of fins 170 to facilitate heat dissipation. Similarto the light module 40B, the light module 40C has two rows ofhorizontally-oriented arrays of LEDs 60. And similar to the light module40A, the light module 40C uses screws (rather than a screw-freemechanism) to secure itself to a housing. Thus, the light module 40C maybe considered a combination of the light modules 40A and 40B.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate embodiments of a lamp head 210 within which thelight modules 40A, 40B, or 40C may be implemented. In more detail, FIG.6A is an exploded perspective view of different components of the lamphead 210, FIG. 6B is a top view of the lamp head 210, and FIG. 6C is aperspective view of the lamp head 210. The lamp head 210 may beconsidered an embodiment of the lighting instrument 20 of FIG. 1.

The lamp head 210 includes a fixture 220, which may be a board or aplate. In some embodiments, the fixture 220 includes a thermallyconductive material such as metal. A plurality of light modules 40 areattached to the fixture 220, either through screws or a screw-freemechanism discussed above. A housing structure 230 provides cover forthe light modules 40. The fixture 220 and the housing structure 230collectively at least partially enclose the light modules 40 therein.The fixture 220 may be considered a part of the housing structure 230.In some embodiments, the housing structure 230 is a cobra head housingfor tradition street lighting. The cobra head housing may have a shaperesembling the head of a cobra. Other types of street lighting housingstructures may be used in alternative embodiments. The housing structure230 may also include a perforated plate 240 for better air ventilation,so as to optimize heat dissipation. The lamp head 210 may also contain apower module 250, which is also housed within the housing structure 230.The power module 250 may include electrical power circuitry forproviding and/or routing electrical power to the light modules 40.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic fragmentary cross-sectional side view of thelight module 40 according to some embodiments. The light module 40contains an LED 60 that emits light. The LED is disposed on a substrate70, which is thermally coupled to a heat sink 160 through a thermal pad140. A secondary lens 80 is disposed above the LED 60 and shapes thelight pattern emitted by the LED 60. An optical glue 260 fills the spacebetween the LED 60 and the secondary lens 80. A metal cover 90 isdisposed above the secondary lens 80 and protects the lens 80 and theLED 60 from external impact. The metal cover 90 includes an opening 100aligned with the lens 80 or the LED 60. Alternatively stated, the lens80 and the LED 60 are disposed within the opening 100. The opening 100is defined by sidewalls 110. The sidewalls 110 are operable to reflectlight, for example reflecting light 270A emitted by the LED 60 as light270B. Since the sidewalls 110 of the metal cover 90 can be used asreflective structures, no additional reflective structures need to beimplemented, thereby saving fabrication costs.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrammatic perspective views of differentembodiments of the heat sink 160. Referring to FIG. 8A, the heat sink160A includes a main body 275 and a plurality of fins 170A protrudingoutwards from the main body 275. The fins 170A each have a recess 280.In other words, the fins 170A are each approximately “U-shaped.” Therecesses 280 may be approximately aligned with one another, so that anair flow path is formed by the aligned recesses 280 collectively. Inthis manner, air flow in the heat sink 160 is enhanced, thus furtherincreasing heat dissipation efficiency.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the heat sink 160B includes a plurality of fins170B protruding outwards from the main body 275. The fins 170B also eachhave a recess 280. The fins 170B are also approximately “U-shaped” andaligned with one another. Therefore, similar to the heat sink 160A, theheat sink 160B also has enhanced heat dissipation characteristics due tobetter air flow. In addition, the fins 170B of the heat sink 160B eachinclude a plurality of outwardly-protruding branches 290. These branches290 further increase heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink 160B,since they keep the same air flow rate and add additional exposure areato the heat sink 160B.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 300 for fabricating a lightingapparatus using a semiconductor photonic device as a light sourceaccording to various aspects of the present disclosure. The method 300includes a block 310, in which an LED array contains a plurality of LEDsare mounted on a board. In some embodiments, the board includes a MCPCBboard, and the LEDs are each covered by a reconfigurable secondary lens.The method 300 includes a block 320, in which the LED array is coupledto a metal cover and a heat sink, thereby forming an LED light module.The metal cover includes a plurality of openings surrounding the LEDs,respectively. The openings are defined by reflective sidewalls of themetal cover. The sidewalls are operable to reflect light emitted by theLED. The heat sink has a plurality of fins that each have a recesstherein. The recesses allow better air flow within the heat sink. Theheat sink is operable to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs. Themethod 300 includes a block 330, in which a plurality of LED lightmodules is installed in a street light housing. The LED light modulesare separate and independent from each other. Each of the LED lightmodules has independent waterproofing capabilities. The street lighthousing may include cobra head housing in some embodiments.

Additional processes may be performed before, during, or after theblocks 310-330 discussed herein to complete the fabrication of thelighting apparatus. For the sake of simplicity, these additionalprocesses are not discussed herein.

The lighting instrument 20 according to the embodiments disclosed hereinoffers advantages over existing semiconductor-based lighting products.It is understood, however, that not all advantages are necessarilydiscussed herein, and different embodiments may offer additionaladvantages, and that no particular advantage is necessarily required forall embodiments.

One advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein is the light modulesallow for easy installation and maintenance. Traditional LED lampsusually involve a set of LEDs mounted on a single printed circuit board.Thus, the entire board may need to be taken out of the housing to repaira single component, which is cumbersome and costly. In comparison, theembodiments of the present disclosure allow multiple separate andindependent LED light modules to be installed into a lamp head housing.The installation of the light modules is easy because it merely involvessecuring each module to the housing via a screw, or a screw-freemechanism in some embodiments. Servicing is made simpler as well, sinceif a component on a single light module needs to be repaired orreplaced, only that light module needs to be taken out of the housing.To carry out the installation and servicing tasks, a technician needsonly basic tools (e.g., wrench or screwdriver) or no tools at all. Thesimple installation and maintenance of the light modules is particularlyadvantageous in embodiments where the light modules are installed instreet lights, because servicing the street lights typically involveshigh altitude operations. Thus, the easier and faster the installationand maintenance, the safer it is.

Another advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein is the enhancedthermal dissipation capabilities of the LED light modules. In someembodiments, the aligned recesses of the fins of the heat sink allow forbetter air flow, which increases the rate of heat dissipation. In someother embodiments, the fins of the heat sink also have protrudingbranches, which allows for better thermal convection and may reducejunction temperature. The metal cover also enables bidirectional heatdissipation, that is, the heat can be dissipated in one directionthrough the heat sink, as well as being dissipated in the oppositedirection through the metal cover. Such bidirectional heat dissipationhelps prevent ice buildup on the front side of the lamp in cold weather,since by dissipating the heat, the metal cover can melt ice or snowdeposited on the metal cover or in its surrounding areas.

Yet another advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein is theimproved optical design. For example, the secondary lens in conjunctionwith the primary lens can flexibly shape the light profile of the LED.The optical glue implemented between the secondary lens and the LEDfurther increases the light output efficiency to as much as 100%.Furthermore, the fact that the metal cover can be used as lightreflectors obviate the need to implement additional light reflectors,thereby simplifying lamp design and reducing fabrication costs.

Another advantage is attributed to the independent waterproofingcapabilities for each LED light module, which reduces overall systemfailure risks. One more advantage pertains to the compatibility of theLED light modules with the cobra head street light housing, which isdifficult to achieve for traditional LED lamps.

FIG. 10 illustrates a simplified diagrammatic view of a lightingapparatus 400 that includes some embodiments of the lighting instrument20 discussed above. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus 400 is astreet light. The lighting apparatus 400 has a base 410, a body 420 (orpost) attached to the base 410, and a lamp head 430 attached to the body420. In some embodiments, the lamp head 430 includes a cobra head lamp.Light 440 is emitted from the lamp head 430.

The lamp head 430 includes the lighting instrument 20 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-9. In other words, the lamp head 430 of thelighting apparatus 400 includes a plurality of flexible light modulesthat can be separately and independently installed in a lamp headhousing. Due at least in part to the advantages discussed above, the LEDlamp head 430 allows for flexible installation and maintenance andbetter performance.

One of the broader forms of the present disclosure involves a lightmodule. The light module includes: an array of light illuminatingdevices disposed on a substrate, wherein each of the light illuminatingdevices in the array includes a semiconductor photonic device covered bya lens; a metal cover having a plurality of openings, wherein each ofthe light illuminating devices is disposed within a respective one ofthe openings; and a heat sink thermally coupled to the substrate.

In some embodiments, the substrate includes a thermally conductive pad;the photonic device includes a light-emitting diode (LED); and the lensincludes a secondary lens.

In some embodiments, the secondary lens is reconfigurable.

In some embodiments, the light module is waterproof.

In some embodiments, the light module includes: a waterproof gasketdisposed between the substrate and the heat sink; and one or morewaterproof connectors coupled to the metal cover.

In some embodiments, the openings of the metal cover are configured aslight reflectors for their respective semiconductor photonic devices.

In some embodiments, the heat sink includes a plurality of fins thateach contain a respective recess; and the recesses are approximatelyaligned.

In some embodiments, each fin has a plurality of protruding branchmembers.

In some embodiments, a plurality of the light modules is operable to beinstalled within a housing for a cobra head light.

Another one of the broader forms of the present disclosure involves alighting instrument. The lighting instrument includes: a street lighthousing; and a plurality of lighting modules and power supply disposedwithin the street light housing, wherein each of the lighting modulesincludes: a thermally conductive substrate; a plurality oflight-emitting diode (LED) devices located on the substrate; a metalcover disposed over the substrate, wherein the metal cover includes aplurality of openings that are each aligned with a respective one of theLED devices; and a thermal dissipation structure coupled to thesubstrate.

In some embodiments, the LED devices each include an LED covered by areconfigurable secondary lens.

In some embodiments, each lighting module includes one or morewaterproof components.

In some embodiments, the waterproof components include a waterproofconnector and a waterproof gasket.

In some embodiments, each lighting module is secured to the housingthrough a screw-free mechanism.

In some embodiments, each opening of the metal cover is defined byreflective sidewalls surrounding the respective LED device.

In some embodiments, the thermal dissipation structure includes a boardand a plurality of members protruding from the board, and wherein themembers contain respective recesses that are substantially aligned withone another.

In some embodiments, the members each include a plurality of branchesthat extend outwardly from the member.

Still another one of the broader forms of the present disclosureinvolves a street light. The street light includes: a base; a lamp postcoupled to the base; a lamp head coupled to the lamp post, wherein thelamp head includes: a housing; a power module; and a plurality of lightmodules and power supply disposed within the housing, wherein eachlighting module includes a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED), aheat sink thermally coupled to the LED, and a thermally conductive coverhaving a plurality of openings each aligned with a respective one of theLED.

In some embodiments, each light module includes a plurality ofreconfigurable secondary lenses that each cover a respective one of theLED; and each opening of the cover is defined by sidewalls that reflectlight emitted by the respective LED.

In some embodiments, each of the light modules is independentlywaterproof.

In some embodiments, the heat sink includes a plurality of fins havingrecesses therein, and wherein the recesses are approximately alignedwith one another.

The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the detailed description thatfollows. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

1. A light module, comprising: an array of light illuminating devicesdisposed on a substrate and collectively extending in a first direction,wherein each of the light illuminating devices in the array includes asemiconductor photonic device covered by a lens; a metal cover having aplurality of openings, wherein each of the light illuminating devices isdisposed within a respective one of the openings; and a heat sinkthermally coupled to the substrate; wherein: the heat sink includes aplurality of fins that each contain a respective recess; and therecesses are approximately aligned and collectively form an airflow paththat extends in the first direction.
 2. The light module of claim 1,wherein: the substrate includes a thermally conductive pad; the photonicdevice include a light-emitting diode (LED); and the lens includes asecondary lens.
 3. The light module of claim 2, wherein the secondarylens is reconfigurable.
 4. The light module of claim 1, wherein thelight module is waterproof, and wherein the light module includes: awaterproof gasket disposed between the substrate and the heat sink; andone or more waterproof connectors coupled to the metal cover. 5.(canceled)
 6. The light module of claim 1, wherein the openings of themetal cover are configured as light reflectors for their respectivesemiconductor photonic devices.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The light module ofclaim 1, wherein each fin has a U-shape profile, and wherein each finhas a plurality of protruding branch members.
 9. The light module ofclaim 1, wherein a plurality of the light modules is operable to beinstalled within a housing for a cobra head light.
 10. A lightinginstrument, comprising: a street light housing; and a plurality oflighting modules disposed within the street light housing, each lightingmodule being individually detachable from the street light housing,wherein each of the lighting modules includes: a thermally conductivesubstrate; a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) devices located onthe substrate; a metal cover disposed over the substrate, wherein themetal cover includes a plurality of openings that are each aligned witha respective one of the LED devices; and a thermal dissipation structurecoupled to the substrate.
 11. The lighting instrument of claim 10,wherein the LED devices each include an LED covered by a reconfigurablesecondary lens.
 12. The lighting instrument of claim 10, wherein eachlighting module includes one or more waterproof components, and whereinthe waterproof components include at least one of a waterproof connectorand a waterproof gasket.
 13. The lighting instrument of claim 10,wherein each lighting module is secured to the street light housingthrough a screw-free mechanism.
 14. The lighting instrument of claim 10,wherein each opening of the metal cover is defined by reflectivesidewalls surrounding the respective LED device.
 15. The lightinginstrument of claim 10, wherein the thermal dissipation structureincludes a board and a plurality of members protruding from the board,and wherein the members contain respective recesses that aresubstantially aligned with one another, the recesses collectivelyforming an airflow path that extends in a same direction in which theplurality of LED devices collectively extend.
 16. The lightinginstrument of claim 15, wherein the members each include a plurality ofbranches that extend outwardly from the member.
 17. A street light,comprising: a base; a lamp post coupled to the base; a lamp head coupledto the lamp post, wherein the lamp head includes: a housing; and a powermodule; and a plurality of light modules disposed within, and eachindividually detachably coupled to, the housing, wherein each lightingmodule includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a heat sinkthermally coupled to the LEDs, and a thermally conductive cover having aplurality of openings each aligned with a respective one of the LEDs.18. The street light of claim 17, wherein: each light module includes aplurality of reconfigurable secondary lenses that each cover arespective one of the LEDs; and each opening of the cover is defined bysidewalls that reflect light emitted by the respective LED.
 19. Thestreet light of claim 17, wherein each of the light modules isindependently waterproof.
 20. The street light of claim 17, wherein theheat sink includes a plurality of fins having recesses therein, andwherein the recesses are approximately aligned with one another, therecesses collectively defining an elongate airflow path that extends ina same direction in which the plurality of LED devices collectivelyextend.
 21. The lighting instrument of claim 10, wherein each lightingmodule is secured to the street light housing through a springing force.22. The street light of claim 17, wherein the plurality of light modulesare each individually detachably coupled to the housing through ascrew-free springing mechanism.